10424 Grand Avenue
Franklin Park, IL 60131
Cook County
Phone: (847) 288-1538
Fax: unknownWebsite: no website on fileEmail: no email on fileHours: unknown
Ballyhoo Lounge - About Us
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by cha cha v. on "Please don't feed the hipsters..." It was never my intention to step foot into the East Side Show Room, to be honest with you. It was a friend's birthday and another friend suggested the place for dinner. I had no other opinions on the subject, so I shrugged and followed along. The place is exactly what all those "Yuppies off the east side" stickers and stencils are talking about, knee deep in ironic beards, bad 80s fashions seemingly lifted from Napoleon Dynamite and more money than these kids like to really convey that they have, in their parents' trust funds. The decor has a hint of steam punk (beer tap, to be exact) and I was skeptical to say the least. The menu (or portfolio, as it has already been pointed out as being called) was quite interesting, however, and I started off with the "corn and oil" cocktail... which is nothing like it sounds. A strong rum drink with a blackstrap floater, served in a mason jar, it tasted a little like gasoline (albeit high-grade) when you sipped the top, but a pull on the itty bitty straw they provided spread rum goodness all over and I was favorably impressed (as well as having gotten a tasty buzz faster than usual). So, thumbs up on the drink, but its not something I'm going to be getting every day at their pricing - as much as it would improve my workday to have one for breakfast and lunch. As a vegetarian, my food choices were limited, and as a former voracious meat eater, I envied the other dishes to a certain extent. I chose, by default almost, the curried grits and greens. It should be pointed out that somewhere in the back of my mind the elevation of traditional east austin fare such as grits, greens and drinks out of a mason jar to gourmet status seemed to be quite a perversion... however... Fantastic. Seriously amazing food, the greens were plentiful and complemented the fiery curry of the grits perfectly. The service was above average (although it may have been the rum and the adorable waitress I kept seeing go by) and the wait for the drinks and food was not unreasonable at all, unless one is used to fast food and chain restaurants (as I suspect a lot of east side hipsters are...). Atmosphere can be a thing that is saved only by the company you keep, and I sadly admit that is how I felt about the Show Room, however. The patrons were not my kinda people, though I wouldn't really have an issue with them if I ran into them on the street. I just don't relate to them. I assume they feel its a pretty cool place to be seen, and I guess in some circles, those things matter. I just liked the food, and the booze. If you like food and booze, you'd probably enjoy it too.
by Alice Y. on Easily the most fabulous meal I've had in Los Angeles, ever. Let's get one thing straight. I am a Philippe Starck/SBE groupie. Yes, you read that right..I am admitting a very important secret. Starck rocks my world with his delicious creations - the Mondrian in Los Angeles, Delano in Miami's South Beach, the Clift in SF, and don't get me started on Katsuya, S Bar, and SLS. I hear his name and I'm instantly in a daze. XIV's $8/dish 11-course meal was perfect! Went here for a birthday dinner ('cause who really can afford this restaurant on a regular basis) and I have to say service was top notch, design was unbelievably elegant (in a quirky cool sort of way) and the food was to die for. I suggest going with the 8, 11, 13 or 35 course meal, let the chef delight your palate! If you've got to choose one restaurant to blow a bill or two, choose XIV. You won't be sorry. If you get their 35 course meal, let me know. Anyone who can afford that is a true baller, shot caller. Enjoy! PS This isn't my blog but Tangbro1's who writes a very thorough review of the place and has some great pictures. Check it out. http://tangbro1.blogsp...
by Thanh Raffa on i liked this place because: 1. drinks were very good (the fig martini is a good choice) 2. staff was friendly 3. best part: it's dark and no one could detect my asian glow (cause once i take one sip of alcohol, it hits my bloodstream faster than a hollywood marriage, and i turn into a ripe, Hunt's tomato.
